Aggressive Panhandling Creates Nuisance For NW OKC Neighborhood

Business owners and residents in the area of I-44 and Pennsylvania Avenue say panhandling is becoming a never-ending nuisance.

OKLAHOMA CITY -

If you're
experiencing more begging in Oklahoma City, you're not alone. Officials say
panhandling is on the rise and a certain neighborhood is seeing an aggressive
form.

Business owners and residents in the area of I-44 and Pennsylvania
Avenue say panhandling is becoming a never-ending nuisance. Panhandler Jim
Miller says he is part of the minority when it comes to those looking for help.

Miller says far
too many people are looking for just cash to help support unhealthy habits.

"It's just getting
worse every day," said Miller.

Area residents
agree.

"I saw one of them
hit somebody in the eye," northwest side resident Gregory Norman said. "Some
guy stopped for something and I guess he must have said 'No'."

Police say it's
not uncommon to receive 911 calls for aggressive panhandling near NW 39th and
Penn, and a nearby condo complex is warning residents of homeless people
trespassing on private property.

Officials working directly with the homeless
population tell News 9, for whatever reason, it seems to be getting worse.

"I make sure I
turn on my alarm on a regular basis now," area resident Kelly Bradshaw said.
"Something needs to be done, but I personally don't know what we need to do."

To tackle the
issue, the Oklahoma City Homeless Alliance says it has something people should
try – a voucher program. The alliance sells booklets of bus tickets for people
to distribute to panhandlers. The tickets have information on where homeless
people can find free shelter, food and help.